This Is Why
Sky News
The world’s a pretty confusing place right now – so how do you make sense of it all? This Is Why takes one story every day, explains how we got here and why it matters to you.
Sky News’ Niall Paterson speaks to experts and correspondents from around the world, getting simple answers to some complex questions.
Available every weekday afternoon.
This Is Why is a Sky News podcast – if you have a question, contact us: why@sky.uk
Sky News’ Niall Paterson speaks to experts and correspondents from around the world, getting simple answers to some complex questions.
Available every weekday afternoon.
This Is Why is a Sky News podcast – if you have a question, contact us: why@sky.uk
Episodes
Mentioned books
7 snips
Mar 4, 2026 • 17min
Why Europe is finally standing up to Donald Trump
Michael Clarke, a defence and security analyst with expertise in military strategy and European defence policy. He discusses why Spain and the UK refused US base access, how leaders react to Trump’s public pressure, the growing European push for defence independence, and what capabilities Europe now prioritizes.
7 snips
Mar 3, 2026 • 15min
Will the Iran war worsen the cost of living crisis?
Ed Conway, Sky News economics and data editor with expertise in macroeconomics and energy markets, explains how the Iran conflict could reshape inflation and the UK economy. He discusses why Strait of Hormuz disruptions matter for oil, gas and fertiliser flows. He outlines scenarios from weeks-long disruption to prolonged conflict and how that could affect prices, bills and market volatility.
Mar 2, 2026 • 18min
Is the UK being dragged into Trump’s Iran war?
Dominic Waghorn, Sky News international affairs editor, offers global political analysis. Deborah Haynes, Sky News security and defence editor, explains military posture and deployments. They discuss how UK ties to US forces pulled Britain into the conflict. They cover shifts in UK policy on base use, UK military roles in the region, evacuation challenges, and risks of becoming a target.
Feb 27, 2026 • 2min
One story every day, explained to make sense of the world
A daily deep dive that picks one news story and traces how we got here. Short explainers unpack context, causes and global relevance. Concise reporting meets expert perspective to clarify confusing headlines.
Feb 26, 2026 • 30sec
Introducing... This Is Why
A new daily series will take one news story and explain how we got here and why it matters. The presenter teases a clear, simple format that breaks down complex global events. Listeners are invited to tune in each weekday for concise, expert-led explanations.
6 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 14min
Why isn’t the UK stopping Putin’s shadow fleet?
Paul Kelso, Sky News business correspondent covering energy and shipping, recounts trailing sanctioned Russian oil tankers through the English Channel. He describes seeing vessels off Dover. He outlines flag and ownership tricks, how journeys are tracked, and why the Channel transits matter for Russian revenue. He also maps the UK's bureaucratic response and legal hurdles around seizing ships.
Feb 24, 2026 • 13min
Should the police ban the use of AI?
Rob Harris, Sky News sports correspondent who exposed police use of Microsoft Copilot, explains how AI errors influenced a high-profile football ban. He traces the phantom intelligence that justified the decision. He reveals how many forces still use Copilot, compares versions, and discusses the strain between convenience and public trust in policing.
Feb 23, 2026 • 15min
Has drone dominance in Ukraine changed warfare forever?
Azad Safarov, Kyiv-based producer who reports from the front line, and Alex Rossi, international correspondent with frontline experience, discuss how drones now dominate battlefields. They describe drone-hunting tactics, defensive tech and how movement and civilian life have changed. They recount close calls under fire and consider what drone supremacy means for future warfare.
Feb 20, 2026 • 18min
Why is the world’s gold under the streets of London?
Ed Conway, Sky News economics and data editor, recounts his rare tour of the Bank of England vaults beneath London. He describes the vaults' scale and security. He explains why so much gold is stored in London, who actually owns the bars, and what has driven recent price surges and market shifts.
10 snips
Feb 19, 2026 • 20min
Andrew arrested: Can it get any worse for the Royal Family?
Rhiannon Mills, Sky News royal correspondent who covers the British monarchy on the ground, breaks down the arrest at Sandringham and why being interviewed under caution is historic. She outlines the legal stakes, the Palace response and the broader reputational risk to the monarchy. Short, clear updates on searches, potential consequences and how this compares to past royal crises.
